Duran Duran star Roger Taylor not wild for Midland X Factor finalists

MIDLAND hopefuls Liam Payne and Cher Lloyd will battle it out this weekend for the X Factor crown.

MIDLAND hopefuls Liam Payne and Cher Lloyd will battle it out this weekend for the X Factor crown.

But Birmingham rock legend Roger Taylor from Duran Duran has revealed his support does not lie with the local talent but with Liverpool singer Rebecca Ferguson.

The 50-year-old drummer will be saving a prayer for her as he watches the climax of the ITV talent contest with his children.

“Some people give X Factor a good slagging off because it’s not Top of the Pops or the like,” said Taylor.

“But I sit with my kids and watch it and think it is great to have a programme on a Saturday night showcasing catalogues of music and wanna-be singers. I love Rebecca. That voice melts me every time I hear it.

“It is one of the best voices I have ever heard.”

Taylor, who is preparing to launch a new album with band members Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor, added that the band behind hits including Wild Boys, Save A Prayer, Notorious and Planet Earth, could even one day perform with Ferguson.

X Factor supremo Simon Cowell has revealed the act with the fewest public votes will be kicked off tonight.

It will leave three finalists to perform tomorrow when the winner is announced.

Lloyd, from Malvern, is bookmakers’ favourite to leave first. The teen, who will perform with Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am, said: “I know I’m not going to win. Come on, I’m the rapper.”

Payne, from Wolverhampton, who is part of boy band One Direction, will sing with Robbie Williams and has become a heartthrob with girls across the country since featuring on the TV show. Pop princess Rihanna performs with Matt Cardle and Christina Aguilera sings with Ferguson.